MADISON, AL—
Madison residents gave mixed reaction the the proposed half-cent sales tax increase during Monday night's city council meeting.Business is rolling right along for Derrick Mitchell. He owns a health food store in Madison called Nature's Apothecary.
"We've been out here for two years, but have been in the health food business 14 years," said Mitchell.
He's not thrilled with the idea of a half cent sales tax increase for the city.
"I hate to see an increase, maybe there's some other way to minimize the burden on the consumer and the local businesses. Especially in this environment," Mitchell said.
Mitchell is worried about the economy's impact on his customers, saying adding anything more could hurt.
Mayor Paul Finley said he understands Mitchell's concerns.
"First and foremost, no one wants more taxes, but we're at a decision point where the community needs to get involved," Mayor Finley said.
In October, Alabama Governor Bob Riley presented Madison City Schools with a $36 million interest free loan.
That loan was to help build a new high school to help ease the overcrowding issue at Bob Jones High School, Madison's only high school.
Mayor Finley said the city council wants public feedback about funding it.
"And then, how the community itself wants to pay for the small amount or the share that we didn't get free or funded," he said.
Mitchell said he understands the need for a new high school, but in the end everybody will feel the pinch one way or another.
"You hate to see any kind of increase and burden the consumer," said Mitchell.
